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US Navy Deploys Underwater Drones to Clear Iranian Mines in Strait of HormuzThe U.S. military has launched a direct operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.On April 11, two Navy guided-missile destroyers — the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy — transited the strait and began setting conditions for mine clearance in the Arabian Gulf. U.S. Central Command confirmed that underwater drones will join the effort in the coming days to neutralize sea mines laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.This move comes after weeks of disruption, with shipping traffic largely stalled due to the mine threat. The strait carries roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, and safe passage is essential for energy markets and the world economy.CENTCOM’s Admiral Brad Cooper stated the goal plainly: establish a secure pathway for commercial shipping and restore the free flow of commerce. Iran has denied laying the mines in some reports, while U.S. officials note Tehran appears unable to locate or remove all of them.America is acting decisively to protect vital sea lanes and counter threats that endanger global trade. This is not about escalation — it’s about keeping the world’s oil moving and demonstrating resolve against those who would choke it off.